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Shop till you drop

A Bangkok shopping mall often looks more like an entertainment complex than a shopping centre. The locals flock here not only to shop but also to eat, drink and watch a movie. And there are many different malls, each with their own flavour and style. Malls are usually open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and are part of a real Bangkok experience.

Most malls are huge complexes with multiple floors and countless shops. These shopping centres sell an enormous variety of goods: clothes, electronics, shoes, cosmetics, furniture, lingerie, kitchen utensils, books, sunglasses and even cars. Most malls also have restaurants, massage parlours, hairdressers, cinemas and even an office where the Thai can file their taxes. Despite the huge variety in each mall, you will find a selection of styles and prices, ranging from upscale and expensive to simple and cheap.

 An aerial view of a Thai mall

Bangkok

Shopping paradise

Many claim that Central World is one of the largest shopping centres in South-East Asia (Siam or Chidlom BTS station). This indoor shopping destination offers many trendy international brands and a cinema where you can watch a movie in a lazy bed. For a more authentic Thai experience visit MahBoonKrong, or MBK as the Thai call it (National Stadium BTS station). Bangkok’s oldest mall boasts 7 storeys and some 2,000 shops – here you will find affordably priced clothes and electronics. For even cheaper purchases, head to Platinum (Chidlom BTS station) where students and other young people stock up on the latest fashion at 3 for the price of 1.

Looking for more luxury goods? The wealthy Thai go to Siam Paragon (Siam BTS station) or Emporium (Phrom Phong BTS station), not only to shop for expensive brands, but also to see and be seen, especially on Sundays. For an even more extravagant shopping experience, visit Gaysorn (Chidlom BTS station). This smaller mall is home to the exclusive designer brands.

Bits and bytes

Looking for a computer, camera or phone? Then shop to your heart’s content in Bangkok at one of the department stores specializing in electronic equipment. Pantip Plaza, the city’s IT-paradise on Petchaburi Road, boasts 4 storeys of hardware, software, accessories, print shops, photo accessories and parts, both new and used. The shops in Pantip charge lower wholesale prices – retailers from other parts of the country come here to purchase their wares – but you can often negotiate an even better deal. Fortune Town, near the Phra Ram 9 stop of the MRT subway, is another electronics department store. It is a bit smaller than Pantip and offers a comparable selection of phones and computers.